Is moving to a new location in the near future for you and your family? While many parents try to hold off moving until the end of a school year, sometimes a mid-year move is unavoidable. To help your child survive switching schools, keep in mind the following suggestions:

1. Collect school records.
Transcripts including report cards and standardized tests results will help administrators at your new school access your child’s academic abilities. When you register your child at his new school, have copies of his transcript with you, but remember that typically school officers can only accept officially sealed copies. If not sealed, the transcripts may not be included as part of his permanent school record.

2. Share vital academic information.
Remember, test scores aren’t always the best indicators of your child’s skills, and they don’t always translate between school districts in different states. Additional information that can assist administrators at the new school includes examples of your child’s latest classroom work; letters from previous teachers discussing your child’s strengths and weaknesses; and a list of textbooks your child was using before transferring.

Personal information is helpful as well as lists of your child’s extracurricular activities, interests and hobbies, medical records and evidence of immunization.

3. Calm Your Child’s Nerves.
Often a child who is faced with changing schools mid year will feel as though they have little control over their environment. There are several things you can do to help your child feel more comfortable about the move.

For instance, take your child to visit the new school before the first day. Ask the school to provide your child with a special partner for the first day or two of school. Encourage your child to join groups or clubs, and arrange times for your child to meet new friends outside of school.

Most importantly, keep a positive attitude. Children often pick-up on their parents’ state-of-mind and act accordingly. Sharing excitement, not anxiety, will help your child transition to his new school.

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